La java de Broadway
Michel Sardou
The Joyful Chaos of Broadway Nights
Michel Sardou's song "La java de Broadway" paints a vivid picture of the lively and chaotic Saturday nights on Broadway. The lyrics describe a scene where people gather to dance, drink, and enjoy themselves, creating an atmosphere that swings with the same energy as a night out in Meudon, a suburb of Paris. The song emphasizes the carefree and exuberant spirit of these nights, where the choice of drink shifts from Beaujolais to Bourbon, symbolizing a more intense and perhaps more Americanized form of revelry.
The song also highlights the camaraderie and sense of community among the revelers. As they get increasingly inebriated, they roam the streets from the 42nd to the 50th, laughing and dancing as if they were in the picturesque town of Saint-Paul De Vence. This comparison to a quaint French village adds a layer of nostalgia and charm to the otherwise wild and urban setting of Broadway. The mention of awarding Oscars to the women who join them further adds to the playful and celebratory tone of the song.
Sardou's lyrics also touch on the aftermath of these nights, where people find themselves sleeping on the sidewalks and being woken up with brooms and hoses. This imagery underscores the idea that these nights are not about maintaining decorum but about letting loose and escaping from everyday problems. The blend of blues, jazz, and rock in the music reflects the diverse influences that shape these nights, making them a unique and beloved experience despite not being the "true" java. The song captures the essence of finding joy in the moment and the simple pleasures of life, even if they are messy and imperfect.